Tara A. Spears
Perhaps when you think of Christmas traditions, images of twinkling lights, decorated trees, and festive feasts come to mind. But, in Mexico, the holiday season is marked by one of the most beloved customs, la Posada Navideña.
If you have never been lucky enough to be invited to a Posada, you can experience the joyful Mexican Christmas spirit by coming to one of the town parades. Posadas are lively Mexican Christmas gathering. “Posadas are mainly organized by a family or coworkers or groups like classmates, etc. They are not public events. The JB taxi companies have a huge posada on a ball field, or rent a hall” explained Inez Santana.
Basically, Posada Navideña is a Christmas tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. The term “posada” means “inn” in Spanish, symbolizing their quest for lodging. Families, friends, neighborhoods, church groups, gather together and organize posadas for 9 days, starting on December 16th and lasting for nine nights until December 24. The tradition involves lively processions with music, food, and carols, with each night representing one month of Mary’s pregnancy.
There are five main components to Posada Navidena: 1. Singing; 2. Piñatas; 3. Ponche Navideño- a hot and flavorful Christmas fruit punch; 4. Food- typically a buffet of family favorites; 5. Aguinaldos – little bags of candy that the host provides for the guests as a souvenir of all the fun of the Christmas party.
According to several sources, participants will walk along a designated route, stopping at symbolic “inns” where they sing traditional songs and ask for shelter or “posada.” The group is turned away until they reach the final destination, where they are welcomed inside with joy, symbolizing the spirit of Christmas and community.
A Mexican Posada typically involves singing traditional songs that ask for shelter, delicious food, drinks, and piñatas. One of the highlights of the Posadas in Mexico is the breaking of the piñata, often shaped like a star. This symbolic act represents the struggle of good over evil, with participants blindfolded and striking the piñata until it bursts, spilling candy and treats for everyone to enjoy.
Piñatas, a key feature of many Mexican celebrations, have their origins in the Posada Navideña. The traditional seven-pointed piñata represents the Star of Bethlehem and the seven deadly sins. Blindfolding participants symbolizes faith, and breaking the piñata marks the victory over sin. Filled with sweets, fruits, and nuts, the piñata offers a festive treat for everyone to enjoy. Kids LOVE hitting the pinata!
Christmas posadas in Mexico feature a variety of traditional dishes like tamales, atole, churros, and pozole. Drinks, including beer, tequila, and traditional Christmas punch, are also an essential part of the celebration. Of course, each family has their own version and there are regional interpretations but the general format is the same.
Mexican Christmas traditions like the Posada Navideña emphasize togetherness, hospitality, and the joy of the season. If you ever have the chance to experience a Posada Navideña, you’ll find yourself enveloped in the warmth of Mexican traditions and the rich spirit of Christmas.
From the lively processions to the festive gatherings, these holiday celebrations offer a magical glimpse into the heart of Mexican Christmas traditions.
